Memorial service for care centre fire victims

Tuesday, June 14, 2011

Pretoria - A memorial service for the 12 victims of the Struisbult Care Centre fire has been planned to take place at the Springs Customer Care Centre precinct on Wednesday.

A fire, which is still under investigation, started just before 11pm on Sunday, leaving 12 people dead, 27 hospitalised and a section of the home badly damaged.

Ekurhuleni Metro spokesperson Zweli Dlamini said following this incident, government has taken a decision to close down the home and relocate over 100 survivors to neighbouring facilities. This will allow for a thorough inspection and fixing of things that needed attention before residents are permitted back.

"The cause of fire is still being investigated. Gauteng Health and Social Development MEC, Ntombi Mekgwe and Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Mondli Gungubele have established a high level joint operation centre comprising politicians and senior government officials, chaired by member of the provincial legislature Lindiwe Lasindwa to look into the incident and coordinate relief efforts," Dlamini said.

For donations of any kind, people can contact Bongani Ngomane of the Gauteng Department of Health and Social Development on 082 460 3608.

The memorial service, which is expected to be attended by senior national, provincial and Ekurhuleni Metro politicians and families of the residents of the home, will start at 1pm.